QuestionI am 6wk & 1 day by LMP dates or 5wks & 5days by ovulation (i O'ed on CD18 - charting). on DPO (date past ovulation) 15 my HCG was 352, then on DPO 18 it rose to 859. I am high risk with past m/c's & age at 42 but have carried to term 5 years ago. on Thurs (yesterday) at DPO25 my HCG was only 913 & i have had some very light watery red spotting off & on over the last 2 days. I am pretty much convinced that i will m/c again - but why are my levels still high? should they not be declining faster? & i seem to be feeling even more pregnant than before, i am going to the bathroom constantly, my boobs are still sore & feeling nauseous (but that could be because i've been upset all day). Am i grasping at straws too much - is a m/c imminent? your advice/opionion would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance
AnswerDear Suzie,
Well, it doesn't sound like your hCG levels are doubling every 48-72 hours as we expect them to in a healthy pregnancy. Also, your levels really aren't high for normal hCG levels at this stage of pregnancy. The normal hCG range at 6 weeks is 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml.
The symptoms you are experiencing are related to the increase in the estrogen and progesterone levels which rise in support of the pregnancy.
Sometimes levels struggle initially and then will take off, but this is a rare occurrence. Usually, if the hCG is not doubling early on, it does indicate a problem with the pregnancy. Our bodies sometimes just need some time to recognize when/if an abnormality exists. Has an ultrasound been done? Once past 6 weeks in a pregnancy, they should be able to see a gestational sac and measure an embryo. Also, they can often detect heart activity. At this point (though I know it is frustrating and hard), you will really just have to be patient.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I do apologize for the delay - I have a miserable strep throat. I wish you well and will have a good thought for you.
Brenda
